Cement Truck Rollover Snarls Traffic On 520 Bridge

BELLEVUE, WA — A rolled cement truck on the State Route 520 bridge over Lake Washington blocked all lanes Thursday afternoon between Seattle and Clyde Hill. According to Washington State Patrol, westbound lanes closed at 92nd Avenue Northeast around 12:30 p.m., and officials estimated backups had reached five miles within an hour.

WSP confirmed an eastbound closure shortly after 2 p.m. to allow tow trucks access to the scene. The eastbound lanes reopened shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Troopers said the truck's driver had minor injuries and none of the concrete in the drum spilled, but crews worked to contain a small fuel spill. A WSP spokesperson said a preliminary investigation revealed Thursday's wind gusts played a role in the crash, when a wind-blown trashcan caused traffic to slow down and swerve, leading the truck partially up a barrier, which caused it to roll.

WSDOT crews were able to reopen the westbound on-ramp from Montlake Boulevard shortly after 3 p.m., restoring westbound traffic from there to Interstate 5. All remaining lanes, ramps and trails reopened shortly before 4 p.m., but officials cautioned that residual backups would linger heading into the peak evening commute.